Spring is a great time to start thinking about how you can help improve your local water quality. With the spring rains coming, water can pick up pollutants along the way and ultimately end up in our streams, rivers, and lakes. Here are some tips specific to the spring season that you can do to help improve local water quality:
Don’t over-fertilize your lawn: Spring is a common time to fertilize your lawn, but it’s important not to overdo it. Excess fertilizer can run off into nearby waterways and cause harmful algal blooms.
Check for leaks: Spring is a good time to check for leaks in and around your home. For example, indoor and outdoor faucets and household appliances are culprits of leaking. Leaks can contribute to water waste and can also result in excess runoff.
Plant native species: Consider planting native species in your garden this spring. Native plants are adapted to local conditions and require less watering, which means less stormwater runoff. They also provide habitats for local wildlife and help maintain the quality of our waterways.
Here are a few of our favorites:
Black-Eyed Susan: This cheerful yellow flower blooms in late spring and can thrive in a variety of soil types. It’s a great choice for adding color to your garden and providing food for pollinators.
Wild Bergamot: This herb, also known as bee balm, has beautiful purple-pink flowers that attract bees and butterflies. It also has a lovely minty aroma and can be used to make tea.
Muhly Grass: A native plant in the southeastern United States known for its showy pink to purple flowers that bloom in the fall. It is a low-maintenance ornamental grass that is commonly used in landscaping and is drought tolerant once established.
By following these simple tips, you can help protect your local waterways this spring and contribute to a healthier environment for everyone.